Safety and aesthetics are paramount when considering the design and construction of luxury yachts and cruise ships. Fastmount, a New Zealand company renowned for its innovative panel mounting systems, has introduced a groundbreaking solution that addresses both these critical aspects: the all-new stainless steel clips.

Fastmount’s new clips are crafted from 100 per cent stainless steel – the spring is 301 stainless steel and the rest is 304 – offering inherent fire resistance due to their composition. These clips are suitable for use in areas requiring fire-rated materials, such as egress paths and fire exits on luxury vessels, as well as wall and ceiling panels.

This innovation is particularly significant for superyachts and megayachts over 500 gross tones, where stringent fire-safety regulations demand the use of fire-rated materials throughout the vessel. While these vessels have previously relied on other panel mounting methods such as Z-clips or screws for panel installation, Fastmount’s new clips provide an advanced alternative that combines safety and aesthetics with ease of use.

The new clips feature a robust design with a 10kg pull-out load and 60kg shear loading, ensuring secure panel attachment even in demanding conditions. Crafted from stainless steel, these clips also offer excellent resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for marine environments. This durability ensures the clips maintain their strength over time, providing a reliable solution for long-term use in luxury yachts and cruise ships.

Installation is easy with a male clip screw fixed to the panel and the matching female clip affixed to the substrate, and then simply snapping them together. One of the standout features of these clips is their adjustability. With a 5mm allowance for minor tweaks, installers can achieve perfect alignment effortlessly. This adjustability is complemented by Fastmount’s unique centrepoint tool, which marks the precise location of the drill holes for the male clips. If desired, the clips allow for a screw to be drilled through the centre, providing extra strength and durability.

For megayacht and cruise ship designers and builders, Fastmount’s stainless steel clips will be revolutionary. They represent a significant advancement in panel mounting technology for luxury vessels. The ability to easily remove and refit panels without damaging underlying structures is invaluable. Panels can be disassembled in any order, providing convenient access for maintenance and upgrades – a critical feature in high-end marine environments. By combining fire resistance with ease of installation, adjustability and aesthetics, these clips offer a compelling solution for meeting the rigorous demands of modern yacht and ship design and construction.

With boatyards in over 50 countries using the Fastmount Panel Mounting System and 130 million clips sold worldwide, Fastmount is well placed to provide specialist advice. Technical support is available through a global network of distributors, and comprehensive online resources, including installation videos and documentation.

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